Some journeys from Split begin beside the sea and end high above the coast. If you rent a car in Split, you can follow roads towards old towns, quiet coves, stone villages, and mountain lookouts. Along the way, Roman ruins and hilltop fortresses reveal another side of Central Dalmatia. This guide helps you plan each drive, including travel times, parking, ferries, and mountain roads.
These half-day routes offer varied scenery without taking your whole day. Most take under 90 minutes each way, though summer traffic can cause delays.
Trogir is around 27 kilometres from Split, and the drive takes around 40 minutes. Traffic often builds near the airport and town entrances. The UNESCO-listed centre occupies a small island between the mainland and Čiovo. Park outside because its narrow lanes are closed to traffic. The cathedral, waterfront, stone streets, and walls are close together.
Afterwards, cross the bridge to Čiovo Island. Arbanija and Slatine offer quieter beaches, coves, and Adriatic views. Some roads narrow beside homes and beaches, so slow down. Return through Kaštela Bay instead. Seven settlements line the coast between Trogir and Split. Their waterfront roads offer views and coffee stops.
Omiš is about 26 kilometres south of Split. The journey takes 30 to 40 minutes, though summer queues can extend it. The D8 coastal road passes beaches, rocky slopes, and seaside communities. Traffic often slows near Podstrana and Omiš. The town stands where the Cetina River reaches the sea below limestone cliffs. Park near the centre, then explore the old streets on foot. Mirabela Fortress overlooks the river, coast, and rooftops.
You can then drive inland through Cetina Canyon. The road follows the river between rock walls and green slopes. Restaurants and activity centres provide convenient stops. Only stop in marked spaces or proper roadside pull-ins. Narrow shoulders can place you and other drivers at risk.
This circular route covers 45 to 55 kilometres. Driving takes up to 90 minutes before stops. Begin in Solin, where Roman Salona covers a large archaeological site. Salona was the capital of Roman Dalmatia. Its remains include walls, gates, Christian buildings, and an amphitheatre.
Continue uphill towards Klis Fortress, around 14 kilometres from central Split. The road becomes steeper near the ridge, with sharper bends. The fortress overlooks Split, the nearby mountains, and Kaštela Bay. Use a lower gear during the final climb and descent. Afterwards, follow the Kaštela waterfront towards Split. Its beaches, promenades, and stone settlements create a gentler end to the route.
Longer scenic drives near Split need an early start and flexible timing. Traffic, swimming stops, ferry queues, and mountain weather can extend the day.
The route from Split through Primošten and Šibenik covers around 82 kilometres. Driving takes about 90 minutes each way. Follow the coast north towards Trogir and Marina. Rocky bays, low hills, and coastal communities line the route. The centre occupies the Primošten peninsula. Park outside, then walk uphill towards the church. Sea views appear between the stone houses as you climb. Mala Raduča overlooks the peninsula. Velika Raduča has more space and visitor facilities.
Continue around 27 kilometres north to Šibenik. Its old town has steep streets, historic squares, waterfront paths, and hilltop fortresses. Much of the centre is pedestrianised, but official car parks are nearby. Finish at Banj Beach for views towards the old city.
Makarska is around 85 kilometres from Split. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, though summer traffic adds delays. The D8 stays close to the coast through Podstrana and Omiš. Along the way, you see islands, cliffs, beaches, and mountain slopes.
Stop in Brela before continuing south. Punta Rata offers clear water, pebble shores, and pine shade. Nearby Podrače Beach lies inside a turquoise cove surrounded by rock. Makarska has a promenade, pebble beaches, and an old centre below Mount Biokovo. Park away from the busy waterfront, then continue on foot.
Biokovo Nature Park adds a different landscape. The entrance road begins east of Makarska and climbs through exposed mountain terrain. Inside, the narrow road carries traffic in both directions. Use passing places and wait for downhill vehicles. Timed vehicle entry may operate during busy periods. Check tickets, access, opening times, road conditions, and weather before entering.
Ston is around 195 kilometres from Split. The drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes each way. Take the A1 towards Ploče, then continue along the Adriatic Highway. Follow signs for the Pelješac Bridge and Ston. The bridge crosses Mali Ston Bay and connects the mainland with the Pelješac Peninsula. This route avoids border crossings through Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sea views, green hills, and quiet coastal land surround the road after Ploče. The wide bridge crossing adds one of the journey’s most striking views. Continue towards Ston after leaving the bridge. The town is known for its medieval walls, stone streets, and historic salt pans.
Park near the centre, then explore the town on foot. Parts of the walls offer views across rooftops, hills, and the salt fields. Mali Ston lies nearby, beside a sheltered bay known for oyster farming. You can also drive 3 kilometres to Prapratno Beach for a swim. Begin the return drive before evening. Summer traffic near Split and along the coast may make the journey longer.
Good planning makes scenic drives near Split safer and easier. Consider roads, parking, fuel, ferries, weather, and vehicle size.
The D8 coastal road offers sea views and connects to Omiš, Brela, Makarska, Primošten, and Šibenik. It also passes busy towns, beach entrances, and local junctions. Average speeds often fall near Split and Omiš during the summer.
The inland A1 motorway is usually faster for longer journeys. It has wider lanes, service areas, and fewer interruptions. However, it does not follow the coast, and motorway tolls apply. A mixed route often works well. Follow the coast for scenery, then use the motorway for a faster return. Check conditions because wind, roadworks, collisions, and queues affect both roads.
Book a car with Final Rentals and arrange a one-way return when your coastal route ends in another city, including Zagreb or Dubrovnik.
Leave early for quieter roads and more parking choices. Heavy queues often form near Split, Trogir, Omiš, Makarska, and the ferry port. Short delays can affect ferry boarding or timed mountain entry.
Historic centres usually limit vehicle access. Choose signed car parks outside pedestrian areas rather than searching in narrow, old streets. Check your fuel level before leaving Split or another large coastal town. Fuel stations are less common on islands, mountain approaches, and quiet roads.
Stop only in marked lay-bys, official viewpoints, beach car parks, or protected areas. Never stop in a traffic lane for photographs. Coastal roads often include blind corners and narrow shoulders.
The most memorable scenic drives near Split often include an unplanned viewpoint, quiet beach, or waterfront café. Leave room in your day to enjoy these moments without watching the clock.
Rent a car in Split with Final Rentals to request advance delivery or collection when available. Unlimited mileage also gives you more freedom for longer coastal routes and island detours. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
The best choices include Trogir, Omiš, Salona, Klis, and Kaštela Bay. Each route combines short driving times with coastal views, historic places, or elevated viewpoints.
The D8 is better for coastal scenery and direct access to seaside towns. The A1 offers faster travel, but it runs inland and is a toll road.
Yes. Check summer traffic, parking, ferry times, weather, and Biokovo entry before leaving. Current conditions can affect journey times, vehicle access, and route availability.
